Old Dominion shows off North Carolina's 3rd largest solar array

“Old Dominion has made a promise to customers, shareholders and employees alike to enhance our corporate sustainability efforts,” CEO David Congdon said.

The Trucker News Services

9/27/2012

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. today unveiled the third largest roof mounted solar panel photovoltaic (PV) system in the state of North Carolina.

Old Dominion showed off the 1.8 megawatt system during an open house event attended by David Congdon, president and CEO of Old Dominion; North Carolina State Rep. Ruth Samuelson; U.S. Rep. Howard Coble; and SunEnergy1 CEO Kenny Habul. The event was held in conjunction with SunEnergy1, the contractor that built the system at Old Dominion’s Vault Logistics warehouse located four miles from the company’s corporate headquarters.

The system of 7,660 individual solar panels completely covers the warehouse’s 160,000-square-foot roof. The system, which has been operating since late December, can produce more than 2.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year - enough to offset more than 90 percent of the building’s annual energy costs (or power 200 houses annually).

“Old Dominion has made a promise to customers, shareholders and employees alike to enhance our corporate sustainability efforts,” Congdon said. “As we continue our rapid global expansion, it is increasingly important for us to be mindful of our company’s impact on the environment. We’re always exploring ways to reduce our carbon footprint – because our commitment to sustainability is another promise we will keep.”

In addition to the solar panel installation, Old Dominion has implemented a number of sustainable initiatives in its facilities over the past few years.

Old Dominion has installed more energy-efficient bulbs in 80 percent of its lighting systems at company service centers nationwide as well as adopting industry-leading technologies to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency for its fleet of more than 5,800 tractors. Last year, the company also opened its first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified service center, a facility located in Canton, Ohio.

For more information about Old Dominion, visit www.odfl.com or call (800) 432-6335.